The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Tuesday administered the oath of office to Prof. Rahmon Tella as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner for Oyo State, delivering one of his sternest warnings yet on electoral integrity.
The swearing-in, held at INEC headquarters in Abuja, formalized Tella’s redeployment to Oyo State as part of what the commission describes as a renewed push to fortify election management nationwide. In a statement released on its X handle, the commission said the ceremony was conducted with “solemnity and purpose,” consistent with Amupitan’s current drive to instil discipline, integrity and punctuality across INEC.
While administering the oath, Amupitan underscored the gravity of the assignment, noting that an oath-taking ceremony is “a solemn occasion that calls to duty,” especially for a Resident Electoral Commissioner whose role carries enormous trust and responsibility. He stressed that INEC’s mandate “transcends regulatory duty” and represents a “moral and legal duty” owed to the Nigerian people.
The chairman delivered a pointed message on electoral credibility, declaring that the integrity of Nigeria’s elections “is not negotiable” and warning that no form of compromise—whether in procedure or conduct—would be tolerated under his watch. He urged Tella to serve as “a beacon of hope and democratic values,” ensuring that every voter in Oyo State has unshakeable confidence that their votes will count.
Tella, in his response, expressed gratitude for the chairman’s guidance, describing Amupitan’s charge as rich in “value and experience.” He pledged his commitment to aligning fully with the commission’s vision and upholding the standards expected of the office.
A Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy, Tella currently serves as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences at Atiba University, Oyo. He is not new to the electoral space, having previously served as REC in both Oyo and Ekiti states, representing Osun, before the end of his first term in September 2025
